PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has said that the PML-N would try to end power outages in two years’ time if it comes into power. It may be mentioned here that there’s no problem of power generation as such. The total power generation capacity of Pakistan is more than its demand. The problem is the circular debt of Rs405 billion. The independent power producers (IPPs) aren’t being provided fuel by the PSO due to non-provision of funds by the government to the PSO. Some time ago, when countrywide demonstrations against loadshedding turned violent, the government hurriedly issued funds to the PSO and the loadshedding issue was resolved within a few days.
Considering this, the PML-N’s contention that it would ‘try’ to end power outages in two years’ time doesn’t seem convincing enough. If funds are available, the problem can end in 24 hours. People want an end to this menace as soon as possible. In my opinion, if the federal government somehow overcomes the problem of power theft and line losses, enough energy could be saved which would be sufficient to decrease loadshedding to a great extent.
Air-Cdre (r) Azfar A Khan
Rawalpindi